Best 5 Star Hotels in Goa

So, this is a topic I hadn’t written about even after being in Goa so long, because I didn’t feel it would be that beneficial, but there are a lot of rich folks out there who want a 5 star hotel in Goa during their stay! Good for you if you’re one of them!

When it comes to five star hotels in Goa, or luxury hotels in Goa in general, there is no deficit. There are so many boutique, luxury, and chain hotels to choose from, so I’ll give you a run down of the biggest and the best fancy hotels in Goa!

For booking, I find booking.com gives the best rates on 4 and 5 stars in Goa unless you are doing a package deal with flight included in which case Cleartrip (and Indian site) might be best.

General Goa Travel Tips

Best 5 Star Hotels in Goa

I’m going to separate the hotels by North and South Goa so it makes more sense. Anything below the Mandovi river, is South Goa for this list. North Goa is near the party scene and markets, while South Goa is a bit more “fancy” and peaceful. We go South to escape the crowds of the North. It really depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll notice not all are listed, there are more Taj’s and a new Novotel and a couple others that aren’t as highly rated by friends and online alike.

Best 5 star hotels in South Goa

1. The Leela

If you want the crème de la crème The Leela gives you that, not just in Goa but all over. This is the BEST hotel hands down when it comes to 5 star treatment and luxury in Goa, and is located in Cavelossim. If you’ve got just a week in Goa and the budget, this is where it’s at. The Leela is the #2 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

2. Alila Diwa

I’ve personally stayed at and love this Balinese style 5 star hotel in Salcette, South Goa. It’s a stunning getaway and doesn’t have that resort feel. You’ll want to stay in the “club section” if you want some privacy. This way you’ll have a butler and they’ll do little things like run a bath for you. You also have access to a restaurant that only those “club” rooms can go to. This is my favorite hotel in South Goa. The Alila Diwa is the #3 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

3. The Lalit

Another like the Leela that is well known as the top of the tower of luxury. I personally haven’t stayed in a Lalit, but Ben has and it’s one of his favorites. This hotel is where business men usually stay because of the golf course. The LaLit is #4 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews.Click here to check rates and availability.

4. Taj Exotica

This is the top ranked hotel in South Goa, BUT I still think Leela’s in general usually trump a Taj. In case you aren’t familiar with the brand, the Taj hotels are the biggest hotel chain in India. Although I haven’t stayed at this one, I love Taj’s and stay at them when I travel outside Goa. There are varieties on the luxury scale, is this is one of the fanciest ones. It’s located in Canacona. The Taj Exotica is the #1 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

6. Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa

This is still a great hotel and because it’s not the highest ranked luxury hotel in South Goa, you can get some great rates. They boast an award winning spa as well and are only 15 minutes from the airport. The hotel is in Cansaulim. The Park Hyatt is the #5 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

7. Resort Grand Hyatt

This place is only 25 minutes from the airport in Bambolim. You can also have dinner on a private beach area arranged through the hotel. The Grand Hyatt is the #6 South Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

8. Planet Hollywood

This hotel is brand new and just had a big opening party in Salcette. I don’t know much about it yet except it’s part of the US chain. It is definitely one that I want to check out eventually.

Best 5 star hotels in North Goa

1. Goa Marriott Resort & Spa

The BEST hotel in North Goa is the Marriott in Panjim. There is actually only one hotel better in Panjim and it’s a guesthouse. I go for dinner and drinks here and LOVE this hotel! If you want to be near the airport, this is the best hotel for you. The Marriott is the #1 North Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

2. Vivanta by Taj, Fort Aguada

Whenever I have friends in town this is where I take them for drinks. If you want to be in the thick of things, where the parties are and the clubs, this is the absolute best place to be. There is a great sunset, the food is delicious, and the views of the Fort are pretty magical. The Taj Fort Aguada is the #4 North Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

3. Vivanta by Taj, Holiday Village

Just next to the other Taj listed above, in Candolim, this is more laid back with cottages. You’ll have a little more space and privacy here but maybe not as much as the 5 star feel. The Taj Holiday Village is the #4 North Goa 5 star hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews. Click here to check rates and availability.

For more tips on Goa check out my 170-page e-book, Insider’s Guide to Goa. After five years of living in Goa, I am confident this book is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to Goa plus it has all my secrets inside. Click here to buy it now.

If you book through these links, I will get a very small commission that I would appreciate so much! It helps me keep this site running.

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Rachel Jones left a career in nursing and lived on the beaches of Goa, India for the five years. Now she lives in Mexico where she gives advice on the 40+ countries she’s visited in the last 10 years. She’s the author of two India travel e-books: Guide to India and Insider’s Guide to Goa. Her blog, Hippie in Heels, like its name, is a contradiction combining off-beat adventurous places with glamorous and bespoke travel. Hippie in Heels has been featured in ELLE, Marie Claire, Grazia, and Cosmopolitan magazines. She’s a writer for Bravo TV.

3 Comments

Hello Rachel Jones, Thanks for the nice collection of 5* hotels in Goa. I recently stayed at Leela hotel in Goa. It is the best and great opportunity to stay at here at very nominal prices. All the services are fine and fast in comparison of Taj.

Goa is one of the most exciting tourist places in India. Those who want to have a great vacation after their tedious work schedule, must visit Goa. It is an incredible place in the nature’s lap. And staying in a five stat hotel there will double the enjoyment level. However, the beautiful resorts there are also a great option. Last monsoon when I visited to Goa, I booked a resort near to a beach. It was simply amazing!